Combining Step-Growth and Chain-Growth Polymerizations in One Pot: Light-Induced Fabrication of Conductive Nanoporous PEDOT-PCL Scaffold |
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Authors: | Tugberk Tabak Kerem Kaya Recep Isci Turan Ozturk Yusuf Yagci Baris Kiskan |
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Affiliation: | Istanbul Technical University, Chemistry Department, Maslak, Istanbul, 34469 Turkey |
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Abstract: | A novel method based on light-induced fabrication of a poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polycaprolactone (PEDOT-PCL) scaffold using phenacyl bromide (PAB) as a single-component photoinitiator is presented. HBr released from the step-growth polymerization of EDOT is utilized as an in situ catalyst for the chain-growth polymerization of ε-caprolactone. Detailed investigations disclose the formation of a self-assembled nanoporous electroconductive scaffold (1.2 mS cm−1). Fluorescence emission spectra of the fabricated scaffold exhibit a mixed solvatochromic behavior, indicating specific interactions between the self-assembled scaffold and solvents with varying polarities, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the same light-induced technique can also be applied for bulk photopolymerization showcasing the versatility and wide-ranging scope of the originated method. In brief, this study introduces a novel approach for light-induced polymerization reactions that is merging step-growth and chain-growth mechanisms. This innovative approach is promising to facilitate in situ polymerization of monomers possessing diverse functionalities. |
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Keywords: | chain-growth polymerization light-induced polymerization poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polycaprolactone scaffolds step-growth polymerization |
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